The Texas Rangers will be going through a transition this upcoming season at second base as longtime stalwart Ian Kinsler will be playing for the Detroit Tigers and 20-year-old Jurickson Profar will be an everyday player for the first time.
But the team's consumate veteran, Adrian Beltre, believes Profar, who will turn 21 next month, will be ready to accept the added responsibility and massively expanded role.
Profar struggled in 2013 as a 20-year-old utility guy — probably not the ideal role for a young player needing at-bats — but Beltre said the fact he'll be able to get into more of a rhythm, especially at the plate, will benefit him.
"Well, I’m expecting for him to have a little more experience," Beltre told ESPN Dallas. "Last year, first year, was a little tough, the pressure of being in the big leagues so young. Hopefully he learned from what happened last year and he’s more comfortable. And just to find out exactly what he needs to do to be a more complete player, especially a new position for him because he’s normally a shortstop. Hopefully he can adapt to that position quick."
Last year, Profar hit .236 with six homers and 26 RBIs in 85 games, but judging by his flashes of greatness, it's hard to imagine some more regularity not helping his output tremendously.
